Sister Monica Henkemeier passed away on Jan. 13 at the age of 85. She was a Sister of Mercy for 64 years. 

She was the beloved daughter and only child of George and Monica, immigrants from Germany. 

Sister Monica’s desire to serve God in a special way brought such pride and happiness to this devoted couple when, on Sept. 7, 1961, she entered the Novitiate of the Sisters of Mercy. 

As a teacher at Our Lady of Peace in Lynbrook, New York (1964-66) and Our Lady of Mercy Academy in Forest Hills (1966-75, 79-81), she brought her masterful skills to enlighten her students on the intricacies of math. 

And as principal at Catherine McAuley and assistant principal at Our Lady of Mercy Academy, her steady guidance was a great source of joy to both students and faculty. 

After she retired, she continued her ministry by visiting residents at Maria Regina Residence in Brentwood, New York, bringing so much peace and joy to them. 

However, perhaps her greatest contribution to all who knew and loved her was her acceptance of her grave illness. 

A funeral Mass was celebrated at the Sisters of Mercy Convent in Whitestone. Burial followed in St. Charles/Resurrection Cemetery in Farmingdale, New York.